Tropical Storm Andrea Bears Down on the New York Tri-State

Tropical Storm Andrea zipping up the East Coast

Forecasters say Tropical Storm Andrea is moving at a brisk pace as it heads up the East Coast, bringing winds, heavy rains and a threat of flooding to coastal areas in Georgia and the Carolinas.

The first named storm of the Atlantic season has been losing intensity after hammering parts of Florida with rain, winds and even tornadoes. Ben Nelson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, says Andrea could soon lose its tropical characteristic. Still, heavy rains are continuing well away from the storm's center, and forecasters warned that it could cause isolated flooding and storm surge over the next two days.

NEW YORK

The entire New York City region is under a flood watch because of the remnants of Tropical Storm Andrea, which could drop several inches of rain on the area. The storm has already lashed Florida with heavy winds, rain and tornadoes.

NEW JERSEY

Rain is falling across New Jersey as remnants of Tropical Storm Andrea start moving up the coast. A flash flood watch is in effect for the state through late Friday night.The National Weather Service says rainfall amounts of 11/2 to 31/2 inches are possible with isolated amounts near 5 inches. The rain will result in flooding of some roadways and the possibility of river flooding increases when amounts exceed 3 inches. Hoboken and Jersey City are taking precautions after the cities experienced flooding during Superstorm Sandy. Hoboken is offering discounted parking at two garages. Jersey City is setting up barricades along flood-prone streets. There's a high rip current risk along the Jersey shore with surf heights of 4 to 6 feet. Saturday is expected to be dry.